Wednesday, September 17, 2014

6 Reasons to Head for Albuquerque this Fall

You need to visit Albuquerque this fall. This is the
season locals call “magical” and the one that’s looked forward to throughout
the year. New Mexico is beautiful in any season but the fall leaves, the chile and those colorful balloons will give you great excuses for making a visit.

Here are six reasons that you’ll fall head-over-heels in
love with Albuquerque’s amazing autumn:

1. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - More than 500
hot air balloons dot the clear blue skies during this annual event, creating a
feast for the eyes. Early risers can witness the mass ascension events, eat
world-famous breakfast burritos, and see the sun rise over the Sandia
Mountains. In the evenings, balloons stay on the ground for “glow” events,
allowing visitors to see these beauties up close. There will also be concerts,
competitions and new special shapes, including an orca and a snail. This year’s
event runs October 4-12.

2. Chile Roasting Season – Snap, crackle and pop! It’s what
you’ll hear when exiting your vehicle at any of the dozens of locations
throughout the city where chiles are roasting. Fall is chile harvest season,
and visitors will see roasters set up everywhere, from the grocery store to
farmers markets and restaurants. If native New Mexicans had to pick one smell
that reminds them of home, most would choose roasting chiles in the fall. See
the roasting in action, then go to one of the many local restaurants that
incorporate them into dishes, from donuts to stuffed sopapillas.

3. Fall colors from many angles – Most people don’t think of
the Southwest when they think of vibrant fall colors, but Albuquerque’s
location in a river valley and altitude – more than a mile high – means that
the city has many deciduous trees, from cottonwood to aspen. To see the trees
up close, take a bike tour along the Rio Grande on the city’s well-known Bosque
Trail, a paddling tour on the river, or a breathtaking tram ride to the top of
the more than 10,000-foot-high Sandia Mountains. Those who enjoy driving can
also take the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway to reach the range’s highest
point.

4. Balloon-themed cocktails – Whether celebrating your first
hot air balloon ride or winding down after an activity-filled day, there are two
balloon-themed cocktails that will fit the occasion perfectly. Ibiza, the hip
rooftop bar at historic Hotel Andaluz, is offering Pilot’s Punch, a
champagne-based cocktail that’s a nod to hot air balloon pilots who frequently
pop a bottle of bubbly to celebrate a flight. Just a few minutes away, another
historic hotel with a hip rooftop bar, Hotel Parq Central’s Apothecary Lounge,
has created the Chile Berry Glow. This warm cocktail celebrates the flavors of
the season, with red chile powder, raspberry and chocolate, and is made
tableside in an infuser over an open flame, inspired by the flame in a hot air
balloon.

5. Weather – Simply put, Albuquerque’s October weather is
spectacular. Most days are clear and sunny, with highs in the 70s and lows
around 50. Humidity is nearly nonexistent, meaning conditions are ideal for
spending time outside. If you’re up early to take in a balloon ride or hike,
dress in warm layers for the cool mornings that can be peeled off as the sun
comes up. And, don’t miss the sunsets – some of the most stunning in the world,
due to big skies, beautiful clouds and a landscape featuring mountains that
turn a watermelon pink as the sun goes down.

6. Events – Aside from the Albuquerque International Balloon
Fiesta, Albuquerque has many more events happening in the fall. From pumpkin
patches to corn mazes and ghost hunts, it’s a great city for fall traditions.
There are also several arts and cultural festivals, including events with a
Native American focus and a Greek-inspired celebration. One of the most
colorful events in fall is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, which is
used to honor deceased loved ones in a celebratory fashion. Brightly decorated
skulls can be seen everywhere, from jewelry and art, and even as face painting!

How do I start? First of all, I have to say that I had an absolutely fabulous time touring Boise, Idaho for upcoming articles in Wander With...

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This blog highlights destinations, experiences and products I feel readers will enjoy. In all cases, I have written my honest opinion about my experiences. Your experience may differ. In some cases I have been hosted for these experiences.

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